Best of the best: Platinum 2016

Wine Press Northwest created the Platinum Judging in 2000 as a way to determine some of the best wines of the Pacific Northwest.

To accomplish this, we chart more than 40 professionally judged wine competitions worldwide to track the gold medals won by fruit from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. In 2016, Northwest wineries were awarded more than 1,600 gold medals at professional judgings.

These wines are categorized and judged blind during three days by three panels of wine experts, who award wines with Double Platinum, Platinum, Double Gold and Best Buy. A wine is awarded a medal based on how a majority of the judges voted. In the case when all the judges on a panel deem the wine a Platinum, that wine is awarded a unanimous Double Platinum.

Based on each judges score, we are able to determine which wine or wines end up at the top, the best of the best.

With another eight Platinums this year, Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery south of Oliver, British Columbia, easily retains the title of King of the Platinum. Walter and Gordon Gehringer have won at least one Platinum medal every year except 2001 and 2006.

Here are the wineries that have won at least 10 Platinums during the competitions first 17 years:

Across the country and around the world, Chateau Ste. Michelle might be best known for its work with Riesling.

No winery on the planet makes more Riesling than this historic property in Woodinville, Wash., and the 2016 Platinum Judging also proves that Bob Bertheau and his team continue to produce world-class Riesling.

Bertheau and David Rosenthal, who took over the white wine team last year, struck Platinum four times with Riesling, led by the top scoring wine of the competition  the Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Dry Riesling.

And yes, the Best of the Best in the Northwest retails for a mere $9 per bottle.

A delicious footnote to this is that virtually anyone who follows the Platinum will be able track down one of the 1.1 million bottles produced. Judge it for yourself. There was 10 times that amount made of the 2014 Columbia Valley Riesling, another Platinum winner, and also $9. That remarkable wine is part of the legacy created by Wendy Stuckey, who left Bertheaus team in 2014 to become director of winemaking for Constellation New Zealand.

Here are a few highlights among the 530 entries into the 17th annual Platinum Judging, staged Oct. 26-28 at the Clover Island Inn, which overlooks the Columbia River in Kennewick, Wash.:

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards in Roseburg, Ore., impressed the judges throughout the three-day event as Stephen Reustle wines were awarded a combined 10 Double Platinums and Platinums. He won a Platinum for work with four distinctly different grape varieties, including Double Platinums for Malbec, Pinot Noir and Grüner Veltliner. Reustle was the first commercial producer of the white Austrian grape in the U.S.

Maryhill Winery, Wine Press Northwests 2015 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year, also amassed 10 Platinums as a result of the work by New Zealand-born winemaker Richard Batchelor. The showing gives Craig and Vicky Leutholds destination winery along the edge of the Columbia Gorge a total of 41 Platinum career medals.

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery remains the King of Platinum, picking up eight Platinums this year.

Westport Winery Garden Resort continues to prove that Grays Harbor County is wine country as winemaker Dana Robert pulled in six Platinums, with two Double Platinums among his haul.

For those who havent been drinking Idaho wines, theres no better time to start.

• Clearwater Canyon Cellars in the historic Lewis-Clark Valley entered five wines into the judging. Each earned a Platinum, highlighted by Double Platinum for a Carménère that Coco Umiker makes from Washingtons Horse Heaven Hills.

• Boises Melanie Krause, a product of the University of Ste. Michelle, received four Platinums for wines made from the Snake River Valley.

• Crossings Winery earned Platinums for a Lemberger  which it successfully markets as Bleu Noir  and a Cabernet Franc.

Wines made by Victor Palencia went on to win five Platinum awards, two for his eponymous brand in Walla Walla, two for Jones of Washington on the Wahluke Slope, and his gorgeous work for rosé led to a Platinum for his Vino La Monarcha label.

Bunnell Family Cellar, the winery in Prosser, Wash., owned and operated by Ron Bunnell, checked in with five Platinums  all for red wines that will pair with the cuisine at his wifes Wine oClock restaurant next door.

The beat goes on for Richard Funk as the Walla Walla Valley winemaker/grower received five Platinums.

Jessica Munnell, another Prosser winemaker, made four Platinum wines under four labels  Mercer Estates, Mercer Canyons, Robert Willis and her own Wautoma Wines brand.

Milbrandt Vineyards registered four Platinum awards. Zerba Cellars in Milton-Freewater, Ore., also picked up four Platinums, all coming from the Walla Walla Valley.

Coyote Canyon Winery, Gamache Vintners and Thurston Wolfe, each with a tasting room in Prossers Vintners Village, picked up three Platinums.

Rob Griffin, the dean of Washington winemakers with 40 harvests of experience, added to his career total with three Platinums from his three entries. Two of them  his 2014 Chardonnay and 2014 Robs Red Blend  are bargains at $14.

DeLille Cellars in Woodinville continues to display predictable consistency with its Cabernet Sauvignon-based Chaleur Estate program, winning a Platinum for its 2012 vintage and another for the 2013 vintage.

Best Buy!Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley • $9
Chateau Ste. Michelles second-largest bottling of Riesling also is one of the most exciting wines in the Pacific Northwest, finishing atop the 17th annual Platinum Judging. Its affordable, produced in large amounts and stunning. What more could one want from a wine? It opens with dramatic aromas of tropical fruit and orange blossoms. Opulent fruit and minerally flavors are the perfect balance of acidity to sweetness (0.85% residual sugar). This has the potential to age beautifully, and we would love to taste this again in a decade. (90,600 cases, 12.5% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).

Double Platinum

Yakima Valley Vintners 2013 Strand Vineyard Deans List Tempranillo, Columbia Valley • $22
This wine was created by the teaching winery, an arm of Yakima Valley Community College based in Grandview, Wash. And its title clearly is merited. Its at the top of this years double platinum winners because its multi-faceted, displaying blueberry jelly, cherry and plum flavors, deep rich spice and mouth-filling tannins. Its complexity leads into a long finish of leather, tobacco, cigar box, cherry pipe tobacco, thanks to perfect ripeness and a dark, mysterious, juicy finish. (22 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).

Abacela 2015 Estate Grenache Rosé, Umpqua Valley • $18
Earl Jones and his crew at Abacela in Oregons Umpqua Valley just keep cranking out winner after winner. This is simply a great rosé with enticing floral notes, precise, lively red-toned fruit that sports a jaunty red licorice note and puts tons of flavor in the mouth. Its lingering finish closes with a great balance of acid. Try it with a festive meal that includes turkey, ham or pork as a refreshing change from the hefty reds that usually dominate holiday meals. (427 cases, 13.2% alc.) Awards: San Francisco International Wine Competition (double gold/best rosé), Pacific Rim International Wine Competition (gold/best of class).

Cloudlift Cellars 2013 Panorama Merlot, Columbia Valley • $26
Tom Stangelands Panorama topped a field of 39 Merlot entries, showing off a classy, near-perfect expression of the Merlot grape, in the words of one smitten judge. Its sophistication belies its origins in the gritty Georgetown industrial district of Seattle just off Airport Way. It opens with aromas of mint, cedar, eucalyptus, blackberries and blueberries, quickly followed by blackberry and blueberry fruit, then a long finish of medium chocolate. Its a Merlot that shatters the unfair image bestowed years ago by the movie Sideways. So, red wine fans, bow down to Washington on this one.(166 cases, 14.3% alc.) Awards: Wine Press Northwest Merlot judging (Outstanding!), Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2013 A squared Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills • $25
This pure, beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon sets the gold standard. The first whiffs present elegant spearmint, inviting spices and a clarity augmented by perfect use of oak. On the palate, it parades more spice, then cassis, leather and tobacco. Jarrod and Alexandria Nicole Ali Boyle make a strong case that 2013 was a great year and that the Horse Heaven Hills AVA ranks near the top of Washingtons grape-growing regions. (547 cases, 14.4% alc.). Awards: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold), Seattle Wine Awards (double gold), Savor Northwest (gold).

Barnard Griffin 2015 Viognier Columbia Valley • $22
Making a Viognier this good requires grapes picked at exactly the right time, then careful management by a skilled winemaking team. Rob Griffin and his crew have done it again with this faultless, fragrant wine that displays lemon zest, stone fruit, apricot notes and a mouth-watering, palate-coating viscosity. Its beautiful balance of fruit and acidity just rocks, as one judge noted, testifying to its perfectly timed picking date. Barnard Griffin usually makes it only once every other year, so stock up. Its generally only found at the winery. (200 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Northwest Wine Summit (gold).

CC Jentsch Cellars 2015 Small Lot Series Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley • $36
Northwest wine fanciers have come to expect brilliant white wines from B.C.s side of the Okanagan/Okanogan Valley. Most commonly, its Riesling or some other white of Germanic origin. But this is a superb example of North Americas favorite white wine grape, Chardonnay. Its aromas display nicely subtle oak, then spot-on flavors of ripe pear and golden apples with zippy lemon zest that brightens its creamy mouth feel. "The best Chardonnay Ive tasted in the last four months," said one judge who judges thousands of wines annually. Its malolactic fermentation is right-on and leads to a medium-long finish. (92 cases, 12.8% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Ethos Reserve Late Harvest Riesling, Columbia Valley • $40
Washingtons largest winery makes more Riesling than any winery in the world. And every one seems to be an award-winner. This small-lot late harvest-styled wine exudes lovely floral notes to draw you in, including gardenia and honeysuckle, then offers a textured palate without being syrupy. It presents all the good things about a late harvest, one judge said. I would wear it as a perfume, added another. No wonder its a double platinum winner. (200 cases, 9% alc.) Award: Finger Lakes Wine Competition (double gold).

DaMa Wines 2011 DaMa Nation Red Wine, Washington • $40
This Grenache-based Rhône-style red blend off Lonesome Springs Vineyard in the Yakima Valley spent 22 months in oak barrels, all of them one or two years old, with oak staves also added to 15% of the Grenache and Syrah for six months. That attention to detail from this Walla Walla winery produced an intriguing wine laden with black fruit, including plums and blackberries, overlain with spice box aromas. The tannins are bright but well managed, concluding a nicely structured wine whose aromas will draw you back for another sip, again and again. (300 cases, 13.5% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (double gold), Savor Northwest (Gold).

Best Buy!Mercer Canyons 2014 Riesling, Yakima Valley • $13
Mercer Canyons continues to rank among the long list of distinguished Northwest producers of fine Riesling. It offers just a faint trace of petrol, along with lemon zest in the nose, then a stunning mid-palate richness provided by the 1.4% residual sugar, followed by crisp acidity and a long finish. Its evidence of superb winemaking and phenomenal cellaring potential, if you can keep it in your wine cellar. (2,219 cases, 13.3% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest Riesling judging (Outstanding!)

Rallison Cellars 2011 Dennison Estate Vineyard Blanc de Blanc, Willamette Valley • $45
This boutique winery in Sherwood, Ore., has produced a small-lot sparkling wine that has nothing small about in its quality, aromas and flavors. Toasty and nutty aromas lead to flavors of citrus, peach, pear and dried apple. In the glass, it shows off pronounced and persistent small bubbles that help carry its aromas to the taster, then help bolster its screaming acidity as it finishes. Its a classically styled sparkling wine with leanness (0.2% residual sugar) and calls to mind a celebration that includes oysters on the half shell. (60 cases, 12.5% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest (gold).

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Smaragd Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley • $24
Stephen Reustle has shown year after year that he can produce top-quality red wines, especially Syrah and Pinot Noir. With the 2014 vintage, he continues to display a versatility that reaches into white wines, especially with this uncommon grape, Grüner Veltliner. Thus lean wine shows off classic white pepper notes, then striking minerality from start to finish. Aromas and flavors of almond and nuttiness, a fragrance that opens gloriously and immaculate balance make this a wine to covet. (200 cases, 13.7% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold), Savor Northwest (double gold).

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyard 2014 Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley • $24
This Umpqua Valley winery couldnt stop with just one great Grüner Veltliner. This example of the Austrian variety displays loads of tart acidity and is so tightly wound its worth holding for a while to allow it to really open up. Already, its aromas and flavors are a complex mix of sweet crushed herbs, jicama and a hint of white pepper, which should pair well with shellfish. Its acidic and lean, a perfect wine to drink while cooking, then have a glass with dinner. Since its just a baby, one judge noted, I can't wait to try it in a year. (565 cases, 13.6% alc.). Awards: Monterey Wine Competition (platinum), Savor Northwest (double gold), Oregon Wine Awards (gold), Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Golgotha Bloc Malbec, Umpqua Valley • $31
Malbec, that former French blending grape, is gaining a new reputation in the Northwest as a great alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Stephen Reustle has produced a fine example from his Golgotha Bloc vines thats true to variety, displaying black tea, earth, juicy plum and blackberry, plus minerality. Its a beautiful example of Malbec with its dense black fruit and superb balance. (225 cases, 13.7% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Awards (gold).

Seven of Hearts 2013 Tradition, Columbia Valley • $25
Many wine lovers are used to the fat red blends from our hottest Northwest growing regions, such as the Red Mountain AVA. This Merlot-based red from Byron Dooley in Carlton, Ore., is a leaner, cool-climate style. It shows off aromas and flavors of rose petal, white pepper and black pepper, plus blackberry fruit and just a touch of blueberry with nicely managed tannins. Its capped by what one judge described as a "fabulous finish." (273 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Seven of Hearts 2013 GSM Plus C, Columbia Valley • $25
This perfectly balanced red blend made in the Willamette Valley is named for its component grapes  Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre  plus some Counoise. Its balance begins with its color, then shows from first sniff to well past the last swallow. It exudes fresh and lively red and blue fruit and charcuterie, then dances across the palate, bowing out with a hit of spice. (347 cases, 14.5% alc.) Awards: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!), Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Bunnell Family Cellar 2010 Discovery Vineyard Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills • $44
The Bunnell Family Cellar is likely best known for its exceptional Syrahs, a reputation this example from 2010 Horse Heaven Hills fruit only extends. It opens with eucalyptus, rose hips, lavender and rachis, then on the palate exudes a berry fruit cocktail with black olive, leather, cordial cherries, Bakers chocolate and lingering tannins that help create a creamy finish. (297 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold).

Cinder Wines 2015 Small Lot Series Gewürztraminer, Snake River Valley • $25
Idahos Cinder Wines has built a reputation for producing fine white wines from the Snake River Valley. The clonal variation of this Gewürztraminer adds lovely spice notes to its pretty aromatics, then backs it with flavors of stone fruit, lychee and grapefruit. Theres no evidence of sugar or bitterness, both all too common in Gewürztraminer, which is a great achievement by winemaker Melanie Krause. (158 cases, 12.2% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Best Buy!Girardet Wine Cellars 2014 Estate Grown Riesling, Umpqua Valley • $15
Founded by a Swiss family that came to Oregon and decided to make something else besides Pinot Noir, Girardet Wine Cellars crafted a winner with fruit from its estate vineyards in Roseburg. And the second-generation winemaker Marc Girardet offers more proof they can produce Riesling in Southern Oregon that rivals the best in Washington. His 2014 exhibits just a trace of petrol, then shows off aromas and flavors of white peach, citrus and lemon oil, leading to a long finish and a bit of minerality. (225 cases, 10.6% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest (gold)

Harbinger Winery 2012 Malbec, Wahluke Slope • $26
Living up to the winerys name, this Malbec from 2012  which some believe may be one of the Northwests best vintages of the decade  suggests there are great things to come, both for Malbec and this Olympic Peninsula winery. Its aromatics show off coffee, tobacco and spice. On the palate, it carries a little bite that nicely balances its juicy blackberry and black currant fruit. It was aged 30% in new oak and 40% in 3- to 4-year-old barrels, and 30% in neutral oak for 20 months prior to judicious blending and bottling. Enjoy from 2016-2020. (235 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Maryhill Winery 2015 Viognier, Columbia Valley • $16
The Batchelor-Leuthold connection triumphed again with this Rhône white, once again from the wide reaches of the Columbia Valley. It opens with nice apricot, honeysuckle and a hint of honey on the nose, then displays a complex panoply of fruit  orange marmalade, Creamsicle, tropical fruit and honey-drizzled pear. Its careful balance shows acidity nicely offset by a bit of residual sugar, then closes with a hint of juicyfruit. (1,428 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Northwest Wine Summit (gold).

Palencia Winery 2015 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $18
Victor Palencia spends a fair bit of time working with fruit from the Ancient Lakes, and his wines are predictably delicious. Its aromatics of gardenia, dried pineapple and banana combine in the mouth with a hint of gooseberry, some zippy lemon meringue and a bit of melon. Those are finished off with such bright acidity that you cant resist a second sip, then a third, then . (300 cases, 13% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold), Cascadia Wine Competition (gold/best white/best of show), Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Saviah Cellars 2012 The Jack Reserve Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley • $25
With the Walla Walla Valley riding high as one of Washingtons top wine-producing regions, it can be difficult to find one of its great red wines thats also a bargain. Richard Funk does that with The Jack, a Bordeaux-style blend sourced from neighboring McClellan Estate Vineyard, Anna Marie Vineyard and Dugger Creek Vineyard, then aged it for 23 months in 60% new French oak. Supple and correct tannins combine with gorgeous red fruit that is on the edge of peak maturity. Enjoy it within the next two years. Maybe tonight. (294 cases, 14.8% alc.) Awards: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!), Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Best Buy!Silvan Ridge Winery 2015 Early Muscat Semi-Sparkling, Willamette Valley • $15
Second-generation winery owner Elizabeth Chambers and her team in Eugene, Ore., likely have a hard time keeping this crowd-pleaser from J.P. Valot in stock. The judges loved its lime zest, honeysuckle and candy aromas, its acidity, and its enticing hint of mango. Its playful tension between sweet (11% residual sugar) and tart and its spritzy bubbles add up to a home run with consumers. Both novices and veteran wine drinkers will love it. (4,000 cases, 6% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Competition (gold)

Spangler Vineyards 2013 Petite Sirah, Southern Oregon • $35
Ohio native Patrick Spangler has done it again, this time winning awards for his hefty Petite Sirah from Southern Oregon. It displays a nip of edgy dark chocolate and rich mulberry, blueberry and plum fruit, while carrying his trademark touch for beautiful balance. With its density, smooth tannins and stunning acidity, this will age for decades. How about a grilled ribeye steak? (217 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Thurston Wolfe 2013 Upland Vineyard Conglomerate Cabernet Sauvignon, Snipes Mountain • $30
Wade Wolfe didnt make much of this Cabernet Sauvignon from the Newhouse familys site on Snipes Mountain  just 300 bottles. After he aged it 28 months in new French oak, the result is an elegant wine thats pure, with a perfectly balanced palate, pretty dark cherry fruit and perky mint. In an era when too much Cabernet clobbers the sipper with clumsy oak and tongue-sanding tannins, this wine is a refreshing oasis of subtlety. (25 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!)

Thurston Wolfe 2010 The Geologist Premium Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $50
Combine Wade Wolfes decades of work with Washingtons finest grapes with Upland Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Double Canyon Petit Verdot (38%) and McKinley Springs Malbec, and you can count on a spectacular result. This Bordeaux-style blend is a medal winner two years in a row: It also won a gold medal at the 2015 (yes, 2015) San Francisco International Wine Competition. Its deftly managed oak leads into a sweet fruit entry of blackberry and cherry, augmented by dark chocolate. On the palate, its round, rich and full all the way through to its sleek, ethereal finish with a final little pop of lavender candy. (100 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Best Buy!Valley View Winery NV Riesling, Applegate Valley • $14
Nonvintage Riesling is a scarce commodity in our Northwest, but we dont share that information with the judges. Besides, the Wisnovsky family in Jacksonville, Ore., proves it can make for a fine white by blending from multiple vintages. This Riesling shows off lovely floral and fruit aromas, slightly sweet lime and orange flavors, perfect balance and a long, crisp finish restrained by rather low alcohol. It leaves your palate feeling so tidy that youll long for another sip. (675 cases, 10.5% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest Riesling judging (Outstanding!)

Best Buy!Barnard Griffin 2014 Robs Red Blend, Washington • $14
For decades, Rob Griffin has produced budget-friendly red blends you can put on the table nightly and never feel your wallet flinch. Starting in 2014, he renamed it Robs Red Blend and its worthy of his name. The blend of 53% Merlot (53%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%), Syrah (8%) and Malbec is youthful, with rose petal aromas on its lapel, then clean, pretty blackberry and raspberry fruit, more roses and cassis on the palate. Its lithe on the entry as tannins spread out and fill in any gaps, producing a superb, tidy finish. (8,300 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (double gold).

Best Buy!Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Riesling, Columbia Valley • $9
Who else but Chateau Ste. Michelle could produce not one, but two, Double Platinum Award winners for the bargain price of $9 each? This one hits the million-plus cases mark. Its1.92% residual sugar pairs with the jasmine notes and spice in the aromas, then orange and tropicality on the palate. With just a nip of petrol and spot-on acidity, its a tidy wine with a tidy price. Better yet, its often on sale around the holidays for about $1 less. (1,004,000 cases, 12% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (double gold).

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemakers Reserve Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley • $39
Stephen Reustle is easily among the Northwests most versatile and talented winemakers. His 2014 Winemakers Reserve Pinot Noir eloquently states the case for his mastery of Oregons most famous grape. It opens with honey-like cherry yogurt sweetness, then plum on the nose. On the palate, the cherry and plum repeat, augmented by a mocha finish with just a touch of tarry complexity. Its structure is perfectly balanced and seamless from front to back. Somehow, it manages to be a little slutty like a nouveau Beaujolais with all its fruit. But on reflection, its like a date with Cary Grant. (600 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Awards (double gold).

Platinum

FairWinds Winery 2007 Lemberger, Horse Heaven Hills • $21
When Dr. Walter Clore experimented with the Lemberger grape decades ago as the Northwest wine industry started to reawaken from the hangover of Prohibition, he determined it could have a bright future in the arid lands east of the Cascades. Quality such as this fine example from FairWinds is likely what he had in mind. Its full-bodied, boasts toasty blueberry fruit and cranberry, plus shows nice use of oak. Though its a bit rustic in approach, the tannins are well resolved tannins after nine years of aging. (105 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!)

Farmhand Winery 2013 Malbec, Columbia Valley • $26
Winemaker Steve Sauer used estate fruit from this urban Kennewick winerys vineyards in the Columbia Valley. Though Sauer says hes in the heart of this river town, his tasting room overlooks an active cherry orchard. So you get a splash of country as well. He built this Malbec lush, with raspberry, blackberry and other dark fruit. Its tannins are bright but flowing, resolving into an outstanding finish. (42 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: Northwest Wine Summit (gold).

Forbidden Fruit Winery 2013 Dead End Game Over Red Wine, Similkameen Valley • $40
Just over the U.S-Canadian border in Cawston along the Similkameen Valley of B.C.s Okanagan region, Forbidden Fruit Winery has roots in organic farming that reach back 35 years. This red blend from winemaker/viticulturist Nathan Venables is made from Tannat (80%) and Malbec from a vineyard that long ago adopted organic and sustainable farming practices. The resulting wine is high in Wow! factor, with an array of appealing aromatics. It manages the lusty tannins of Tannat partly by blending in Malbec, resulting in a complex wine thats dark, dusty and earthy, showing a bit of savory black olive on the palate to complement bold fruit. (40 cases, 15.2% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest (gold).

Mercer Estates 2013 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills • $24
Jessica Munnell, who became the winemaker for Mercer after stints with some of Chateau Ste. Michelles string or pearls, has crafted a gem from Merlot with this fine bottling. Its peppery and savory on opening, then adds a fruit palate of blueberry compote, boysenberry and ollalaberry, closing with great spice and good acidity. (872 cases, 14.5% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (best of class), Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Monte Scarlatto Estate Winery 2011 Dawns Bikini Barbera, Red Mountain • $32
Monte Scarlatto, or Red Mountain in translation from Italian, uses fruit from it 10-acre vineyard on, of course, Red Mountain, for this crisp and clean red wine. Its Barbera grows on just half an acre of those 10, so production is diminutive. Its rich fruit of blueberry, blackberry and black currant shows the effect of its warm site and harvest at as close as possible to 30 Brix. After aging in oak barrels, its smooth, rich, crisp and clean, with well-balanced tannins. (60 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Moraine Estate Winery 2015 Riesling, Okanagan Valley • $24
There were plenty of stellar Rieslings in the 17th annual Platinum Judging, and as always, B.C.s Okanagan region was well represented. Much to the benefit of Northwest wine lovers, winemaker Jacq Kemp (short for Jacqueline) put aside her lab coat as a nutritional scientist and diverted to a wine education in New Zealand. She produced a balanced Riesling with floral, spice and face powder aromatics, pineapple and orange flavors and a long, crisp finish despite 3.5% residual sugar. (300 cases, 11.8% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold), Finger Lakes Wine Competition (gold).

Vino La Monarcha 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $18
Victor Palencia, owner and winemaker has produced a remarkable rosé that floats like a butterfly but has no sting of the bee. Its tiny kiss of residual sugar  0.95%  accents the wines flavors of strawberries, cream and raspberry, a great combination. One look at its delectable color will make you reach for the bottle. Then youll fall in love at first sip. (240 cases, 12.6% alc.) Awards: Cascadia Wine Competition (double gold), Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition (gold).

Waterbrook Winery 2013 Reserve Malbec, Columbia Valley • $25
Malbec is building a strong fan base in the Northwest, and this example from Waterbrook, a pioneer in the Walla Walla wine industry, shows why. Its fresh, clean and sleek, with an earthy undertone that complements its black raspberry fruit and is so immaculately balanced, stylish and bright. The trailing finish echoes its lovely fruit. (2,785 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).

Zerba Cellars 2013 Zinfandel, Walla Walla Valley • $45
Though Zerba Cellars is just south of State Line Road on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley, its a favorite in Washington as well. And for the folks of Western Oregon, its often a surprise to learn they can claim it as their own. This really fine example of Zin sports nice raspberry notes and a hint of fennel that lead to a gorgeous midpalate, black pepper and a long finish. It can hold its own with a California version any day. (333 cases, 15.1% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Canas Feast Winery 2012 Montagna Rossa, Columbia Valley • $35
Winemaker Patrick Taylor played off his Red Mountain AVA grape sources in naming this Italianate red wine, leading with Sangiovese (50%), backed up by Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Merlot. The Sangiovese came from Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. Tapteil farther up Red Mountain contributed the Cabernet and Wallula Gap, in the easternmost end of the Horse Heaven Hills, added the Merlot. The result is a wine with clean ripeness in its fruit, a hint of earthiness, a bit of spice, subtle and attractive use of oak, and pleasing texture. The blending didnt take away from its lovely Sangiovese base. (248 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Cardwell Hill Cellars 2013 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley • $28
Cardwell Hills Cellars, tucked in the hills near Philomath, Ore., has built a reputation for making stellar Pinot Noir that can rival the best of the Willamette Valley, often at a more attractive price. This one boasts of enticing aromas of violet, exotic tea spice and forest floor. Its mouth-watering cherry flavors includes a hit of cherry cola and beautifully managed tannins. (448 cases, 13.7% alc.) Award: Northwest Wine Summit (gold).

Harbinger Winery NV Dynamo Red, Washington • $16
It might be nonvintage and an unusual blend with its mix of Syrah (62%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%), Merlot (12%), Sangiovese (9%) and Grenache, but this wine is as smooth and sophisticated as a career diplomat. It shows a nice earthy note going in, then black currant flavors. Its tannins build a sumptuous and well balanced backbone, producing a round palate. It finishes bright with a splash of juicy red currant. (300 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest (gold).

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Winemakers Reserve Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley • $29
Stephen Reustle may deserve a new nickname after this year: The Guru of Grüner. This one opens with alluring aromas that drive you into the glass, then in the mouth its viscosity and purity both are beautiful, right down to the lingering orange marmalade and lean minerality of its finish. Its a classic Austrian-style Grüner and rich without being flabby. (446 cases, 12.8% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest (double gold).

Schmidt Family Vineyards 2014 Pinot Gris, Applegate Valley • $23
Cal Schmidt and his family in Southern Oregon have crafted a purists Pinot Gris that stands up to any of its cousins vinted in the Willamette. This one shows refined subtlety, beautiful aromatics, a hint of white pepper, pear and lime aromas. And when those same flavors hit the palate, they are simply spot on. (224 cases, 14.8% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest (best of class).

CC Jentsch Cellars 2014 Small Lots Series Malbec, Okanagan Valley • $50
British Columbia winemakers love to prove they rank with the Northwests best makers of red wine. And this Malbec backs their case, with its dark berry and cranberry aromas and flavors. The careful nice extraction of its fruit adds a spicy note and, at end, leaves the sipper marveling at its balance. Pair it with the meaty elements of any holiday meal. (84 cases, 13.7%) Awards. All-Canadian Wine Championships (double gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).

Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2013 Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley • $20
Once again, Mosel producer Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle prove to be a formidable partnership. At three years of age, it shows good acidity and balance, just a tiny bit of petrol, attractive, oily floral notes, then complex citrus flavors and an aromatic mid-palate. It closes with perfect acid-sugar balance with 1.6% residual sweetness that make it an impressive and complete Riesling experience. And if you cant find this release, the latest 2014 vintage might be its equal. (21,840 cases, 12% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

DeLille Cellars 2012 Chaleur Estate, Red Mountain • $79
The essences of Eastern Washingtons Red Mountain AVA dominate in this flawless red blend. Its jammy and a little herbal, then shows off aromas and flavors of tobacco, plummy spice, and black currants. Its presentation of fruit is full without being overbearing, creating a great example of masterful blending, with a strong, lingering finish, and a nice, smooth mouth feel that makes it easy to drink. (750 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Best Buy!Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Ehrenfelser, Okanagan Valley • $15
Never tried Ehrenfelser? This wine shows why you should not ignore this German innovation made possible by crossing the Riesling and Silvaner grapes. It opens with an inviting nose and hint of melon, then adds lemon-lime, sweet peach and apricot aromas and flavors while showing off gorgeous acidity to balance its 1.3% residual sugar, then finishes clean and fresh. (2,500 cases, 13.1% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold), Los Angeles International Wine Competition (gold/best of class), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2015 Optimum Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley • $17
Is there a white wine those Gehringer boys dont make superbly well? We think not. This Pinot Gris is indeed optimum, with its elements of white peach, unripe pear, white spice and just a trace of color without any phenolic bite. Its good acidity easily balances its 0.8% residual sugar. And its nice lean midpalate makes it just right for food applications, which is rare for Pinot Gris. (250 cases, 13.5% alc.) Award: Indy International Wine Competition (double gold).

Goose Ridge Vineyards 2011 Sol Duc Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $50
Winemaker Kendall Mix came in from the cold of his Edmonton, Alberta, boyhood, then traveled to California vineyards for four years before coming part way back north  to Washington. Before he left for Cadaretta in Walla Walla, he put two decades of experience into this beautiful estate Meritage-style blend, made from Cabernet Sauvignon (59%), Merlot (23%), Malbec (15%) and Petit Verdot. It shows nice cocoa powder and purple boysenberry jam flavors. Some leather, tea and minerality on the palate and sublime, supple tannins. And at five years old, its drinking nicely. (236 cases, 14.9% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold.)

Gordon Estate 2012 Block 3 Merlot, Columbia Valley • $30
Gordon Estate has been around since 1983, and that experience shows in this fine Merlot from what continues to serve as a classic vintage in Washington state. It offers up elements of Christmas plum in its inviting nose, then cola and black currants backed by fulsome tannins. Its fine balance allows for a very clean finish with a final nip of cola. (126 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Kiona Vineyards Winery 2012 Estate Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain • $35
The folks at Kiona Vineyards planted their first grapes on Red Mountain more than 40 years ago. Their pioneering spirit led to this estate-grown Cab Franc, which shows elements of three generations of experience. It opens with dark and tart berry and huckleberry aromas and flavors augmented by beautiful, high acids. Its sound structure leads the sipper to a rewarding finish. (270 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival.

Maryhill Winery 2013 Winemakers Red, Columbia Valley • $16
Dare we call this a Washington-style Bordeaux? Using a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc with Rhône red Syrah, it doesnt quite fit that unofficial category. However, with the careful winemaking of Richard Batchelor, the result is pretty elements of raspberry, blackberry, cherry, and tobacco spice, backed by supple tannins that lead to an attractive finish. His judicious use of oak augments its beautiful dark fruit. And then theres the price and the availability for whats become arguably their flagship wine. (28,217 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Best Buy!Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Traditions Evergreen Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley • $13
The sexy aromatics of this Riesling from the Milbrandt brothers grabs ones interest at first whiff, then are echoed in its lime and orange flavors, leading to very crisp acidity and stony minerality, which combine to sweep away its balancing 1.1% residual sugar finish, clearing the palate for another sip. It is, as one friend calls it, a tidy wine that cleans up after itself. (1,328 cases, 12% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold), Savor Northwest (gold).

Mt. Hood Winery 2014 Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge • $32
The Columbia Gorge, home to Pinot Noir grapes since the early 1970s, pioneered the variety in Washington. This example crafted by Hood River native Rich Cushman rewards that long-ago faith. Its faintly smoky on the entry, with elements of forest floor and earth. Its flavors include classic cherry and cranberry elements, then a bit of anise and mushroom to go with well-managed tannins and great length. And yet, an effort such as this is to be expected from Wine Press Northwest magazines reigning Oregon Winery of the Year. (306 cases, 13.6% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (double gold/best of class).

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Masada Bloc Syrah, Umpqua Valley • $32
This Syrah follows a very tough act. The 2012 vintage was voted the best New World Syrah at the Six Nations Wine Challenge in Australia. Here, however, winemaker Stephen Reustle may have found the earlier vintages match. This one is full of complexity, with a clean, pretty nose, a bit of earthiness, flannel and Marionberry milkshake, then fine-grained tannins, leather and yummy slate, as one judge put it. Unlike some Syrahs, its palate friendly, juicy and quaffable because of its light, clean style. (500 cases, 13.6% alc.) Award: Oregon Wine Awards (gold).

Robert Willis 2013 Reserve Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills • $55
This was the first vintage of winemaker Jessica Munnells Malbec reserve for this side project for brothers Rob & Will Mercer. Its made so well, one has to hope for many more to come. Its Malbec (90%) plus Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine that shows off its Horse Heaven Hills lineage, with earthy, minerally notes and great purity of fruit. Its made in a leaner style, with a mild tannin-acid structure fund more often in Bordeaux Malbec. Its not a lapel-grabbing Malbec, but instead presentable and smooth smooth. (207 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest reds judging (Outstanding!)

Best Buy!Saviah Cellars 2014 The Jack Riesling, Columbia Valley • $15
The Jack trumped many of 2014s Rieslings by crafting this one from Evergreen Vineyard and Olson Brothers Vineyard. It offers a rich, floral nose with subtle spice and a perfect harmony of sweetness (1.7% residual sugar) and acid, plus great structure and a long finish. (1,394 cases, 12.9% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest Riesling judging (Outstanding!)

Best Buy!Barnard Griffin 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley • $14
The father/daughter winemaking team at Barnard Griffin continues to impress with its faultless presentations of fine white wines. And this Chardonnay is but one of the current array. It offers a welcoming bit of nuttiness, subtle oak, honeysuckle and a hint of grapefruit on the nose. It shows off crisp yet round citrus flavors, then a flawless finish and a bit of length. (12,500 cases, 13.2% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Basalt Cellars 2013 Dwelley Vineyard Merlot, Walla Walla Valley • $26
With Lewis-Clark Valley winemaker Rick Wasem at work on this Dwelley Vineyard Merlot from the Walla Walla Valley, you get what you expect  a dark, concentrated wine with cedar and black cherry in the nose, a midpalate fulsome with cherry, blackberry and blueberry, then a close of softer, well-managed tannins. Try it with grilled sirloin on the medium rare side and one of the Northwests famous baking potatoes topped with butter and a little no-fat yogurt. (48 cases, 15% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).

Best Buy!Battle Creek Cellars 2014 Unconditional Pinot Noir, Oregon • $14
Inexpensive Oregon Pinot Noirs are difficult to find, but this one from Sarah Cabots first crush as Precepts lead winemaker in Oregon should be readily available. Its crafted from fruit sourced from Battle Creek (20%) in the Willamette Valley, with the other 80% combined from Yamhela, Roe, Red Hills, Howell Prairie, Waldo Hills and Kraemer vineyards also in the Willamette Valley, joined by Melrose in the Umpqua Valley. It offers up orange zest on the nose, then clean, bright and lively chocolate raspberry, pomegranate and cranberry orange on the flavor. It could double as one of your holiday wines with turducken, or for a chilly night in the Jacuzzi. (6,529 cases, 14% alc.) Awards: Los Angeles International Wine Competition (gold/best of class).

Bunnell Family Cellar 2010 Northridge Vineyard Malbec, Wahluke Slope • $38
Prossers Ron Bunnell built another winner with this true-to-variety wine, using Malbec this time. Its aromatics show a touch of smoke, followed by blueberry and blackberry flavors, a nice hit of olives and round tannins in this balanced, easy-to- drink wine. Holding it on the palate for a moment will yield earth, raspberry and plum. (169 cases, 14.3% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Bunnell Family Cellar 2014 Wine oClock Sangiovese, Columbia Valley • $24
Add Sangiovese to the Bunnell fleet of fine red wines. This young red, named for the familys restaurant in Prosser, Wash., comes from throughout the Columbia Valley. It features great dark cherry color, a clean nose, sweet yummy black fruit and plum, grippy tannins, and a bright Montmorency cherry finish with leather, and on reflection, enjoyable layering. Its great as a pizza wine or but can also step up to more formal fare as well. (136 cases, 14.9% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!)

Cinder Wines 2015 Off-dry Riesling, Snake River Valley • $18
A decade ago, Boise native Melanie Krause established her winery in Garden City, Idaho, just across the river from her hometown. And while Riesling is a new variety for her own brand, shes been producing some delicious whites with it for Huston Vineyards. Here, she reached into five vineyards  Sawtooth, Skyline, Symms, Trusdell and Williamson  and the result is a Riesling that boasts tropical spices in its nose, plus floral aromas. With its crispness and 1.65% residual sugar, it will pair with spicy Asian food. (420 cases, 12.2% alc.) Awards: Idaho Wine Competition (double gold, best of class).

Coyote Canyon Winery 2015 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Roussanne, Horse Heaven Hills • $22
Owner/grower Mike Andrews and winemaker Justin Michaud have been releasing remarkable Roussanne for several years, and this may be its best effort yet. It shows off apple, pineapple aromas, then subtly tropical, pineapple and cidery flavors. Its kiss of 0.9% residual sugar is balanced by some of that traditional HHH minerality. (100 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Denver Wine Competition (gold).

Crossings Winery 2012 Bleu Noir Blaufrankisch, Snake River Valley • $19
Owner/general manager Doug Jones is a West Coast promoter of Blaufränkisch, a rare red grape with Austrian origins. Its more commonly known in this country as Lemberger, but Jones has enjoyed success labeling and marketing it in Idaho as Blue Noir, a term hes trademarked yet is willing to share with other wineries to help raise the grapes status with consumers. Neil Glanceys work with these estate vines is delicious, thanks to aromas of cranberry and blueberry, followed by spicy flavors of blue and purple fruit and backed by supple tannins and just the right amount of oak. At Tannins, the on-premise restaurant for this winery near the Snake River, they suggest pairing it with Chicken Fried Steak. (2,500 cases, 12% alc.) Awards: Idaho Wine Competition (gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2014 Signature Riesling Icewine, Golden Mile Bench • $42
This is but one more example of Walter Gehringer and his crew building a brilliant wine, this time working on a justly famous Okanagan ice wine. It exhibits great balanced, petrol-creamed honey, dried peaches and a bit of botrytis with some nuttiness. As with the best ice wines, theres pleasing acidity to present the sweetness (26% residual sugar). Its supplemented with honey, peaches and nuttiness in its finish, lots of viscosity, then orange marmalade in the finish. (1,000 cases, 10.3% alc.) Awards: All-Canadian Wine Championships (gold), Northwest Wine Summit (gold).

Maryhill Winery 2015 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley • $16
Maryhill Winery has done it again  produced another fine example of Rosé of Sangiovese and nailed down another Platinum medal as well. The 2015 edition is nearly dry at 0.9% residual sugar that plays well with its juicy cherries, crushed herbs and lively acidity stitched together with a thread of earthiness. The winemaking crew nailed this one, which also closes with a finish that has staying power. (3,797 cases, 12.9% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold), Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Milbrandt Vineyards 2012 The Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope • $26
This fine Cabernet Sauvignon was a product of Joshua Maloneys second vintage at Wahluke Wine Co., an occasion he marked by blending Cabernet Sauvignon (92%), Petit Verdot (6%) and Malbec (2%) into a balanced wine that displays black cherry and blackberry fruit, judicious use of both French and American oak and good acidity. Its fine structure melds it all into a rewarding, seamless package. (3,000 cases, 15% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Mt. Hood Winery NV Summit Red, Columbia Valley • $22
This unusual red blend drew from the varietals of several major grape-growing regions of Europe, blending Pinot Noir (40%), Syrah (30%), Tempranillo (20%) and a final 10% thats a Malbec/Zinfandel mix. Its surprising fruit palette includes plump blueberry, cherry and cranberry, topped with a bit of mint in a carbonic mix that seems like a Pinot Noir with a purpose. The judges loved it. (595 cases, 13% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Northwest Cellars 2012 Intrigue Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $28
Versatile winemaker Robert Smasne obtained grapes from Tasawik, Spofford Station, Double Canyon and Coyote Canyon vineyards, then combined them into a blend of Malbec (25%), Merlot (20%), Petit Verdot (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), Syrah (15%) and Carménère and aged it for 21 months in 50% new French oak. The result is a wine with a bit of leather in its nose, then a hint of blueberry, fulsome, grapy flavors and with its tannins well in check. (474 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Savor Northwest (gold).

Rio Vista Wines 2015 Antoine Creek Vineyard Viognier, Columbia Valley • $29
Some Viognier can be hard to love, because too often it seems to be vinted into a substitute for oaky Chardonnay. Not from John Little, who used grapes from Antoine Creek Vineyard to build a wine with fresh honey and musky melon on the nose with balanced acidity that carried through its rounded citrusy finish. This is how the variety should be made. (110 cases, 12.3% alc.) Award: Wenatchee Wine and Food Festival (gold/best of class).

Tamarack Cellars 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley • $28
Ron Colemans crew at the Walla Walla airport complex used a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak to craft this Merlot, which offers mint, cedar and blackberry/blueberry aromas that give way to a nice midpalate full of blackberry and blueberry. They resolve into a long finish with grippy Washington Merlot tannins and a hint of spice. (1,100 cases, 14.2% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold), San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (best of class/sweepstakes).

Cardwell Hill Cellars 2013 Estate Pommard Block Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley • $28
Dan Chapel selected the best barrels from his dry-farmed Pommard block and aged them for 21 months in French oak. The result is a seductive wine that shows a potpourri of herbs and beautiful truffle on the nose, then boysenberry and black cherry on the palate. (226 cases, 13.2% alc.) Awards: TEXSOM (gold), Northwest Wine Summit (double gold).

Dusted Valley Vintners 2012 V.R. Special Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $60
Fruit from Dionysus, Northridge, Red Heaven and StoneTree vineyards was chosen for this tribute to Grandpa Vernon Rhodes, an amazing man who called his miraculous chocolate chip cookie the V.R. Special. The result is a complex wine with cassis, white pepper, cherry and huckleberry that is sweet, rich and grippy on palate, with fine-grained tannins that keep it elegant allowing for juicy currants in the finish. (384 cases, 15.7% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Kiona Vineyards 2014 Estate Gewürztraminer, Red Mountain • $17
The Williams clan has been producing Gewürtraminer since the mid-1970s and this vintage shows a keen understanding of the Alsatian grape. Its 2.6% residual sugar is nicely balanced by remarkable acidity, which lingers on the palate of lychee and just a hint of melon rind. (400 cases, 12.5% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (gold).

Kitzke Cellars 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $30
Made from grapes grown on the Kitzke estate in Richland on the southern slopes of Candy Mountain and just a short hop from Red Mountain, this is an expressive wine full of aromas and flavors. Its theme of huckleberry and black cherry combines with chalkboard dust, a bit of cherry tomato, orange zest, Bengal Spice tea and a pinch of pipe tobacco straight from cedar box in this drink-now Cab. (100 cases, 14.2% alc.) Awards: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!), Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Maryhill Winery 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley • $26
A wine judge could grow short of adjectives trying to describe this complex, cool-climate Syrah by New Zealand native Richard Batchelor. It opens with dried herbs in its nose, then purple fruit, red fruit, spice and leather. On the palate, its smooth, juicy and tart with pomegranate, cocoa, then earth and a load of purple fruit in its long finish. (508 cases, 14.6% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!)

Maryhill Winery 2013 Zinfandel, Columbia Valley • $26
Zinfandel has found a few hot spots where it grows well in Washingtons highly varied climate. The primary go-to site for Maryhill is nearby Gunkel Vineyards, which poured the foundation for a wine with a hint of tomato vine in its aromas, then added black cherry, brambleberry and black pepper. Its nicely structured and balanced with grippy tannins. (3,666 cases, 14.5% alc.) Awards: Dan Berger International Wine Competition (gold), Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyard 2013 Winemakers Reserve Syrah, Umpqua Valley • $39
Southern Oregon grower/winemaker Stephen Reustle seemingly has never met a Syrah he couldnt make well, and this reserve-style wine is consistently one of his best. This one is sweet on the nose, perhaps owing to a visit from the sugar plum fairy, includes an unusual dash of purple peppercorns, then coffee and caramel. (475 cases, 13.6% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (double gold), Oregon Wine Awards (double gold).

Spangler Vineyards 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Southern Oregon • $39
Patrick Spangler, owner of this popular Roseburg, Ore., winery, labeled his 2013 Reserve as simply Oregon, but theres nothing simple about the results. This wine has aromas of vanilla and red currant, then flavors of red and black currants and finishes with brisk tannins and a nip of licorice. It adds to the Umpqua Valley producers résumé as one of the Pacific Northwests top producers of bold reds. (174 cases, 13.9% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Walla Walla Vintners 2011 Sagemoor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $44
William vonMetzger and his bosses  Myles Anderson and Gordy Venneri  have long counted on Sagemoor Vineyard north of Pasco, Wash., and this bottling from a cooler vintage shows why. Its a combination of four distinctive blocks, and after aging 22 months in 55% new French oak barrels, its a complex wine with flavors and aromas of cedar, Red Vines licorice, Texas pink grapefruit, white pepper and sweet herbs. Vanilla and sandy tannins frame its lovely fruit. Buy more than one and come back to it in few years. (196 cases, 14.4% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Claar Cellars 2013 White Bluffs Syrah, Columbia Valley • $22
Joe Hudon, a Washington State University product, used Salmon Safe estate grapes from vines overlooking the Columbia River north of Pasco, Wash. The result is a drink that displays cola, mocha, cocoa powder, gingersnap cookies, nice meatiness, black pepper and herbal notes of thyme. Its full of juicy purple fruit, and in the close has a good grip of smooth, fine-grained tannins, capped by blueberry. (112 cases, 14.1% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Verhey Vineyard Malbec, Rattlesnake Hills • $28
One of the rising stars in the Northwest wine industry is Coco Umiker, who runs this winery in Lewiston, Idaho, with her viticulturist husband, Karl. Together, they have not only helped to revitalize the wine industry in the Lewiston-Clarkston area of Idaho and Washington, but they also were driving forces behind the new Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area. The grapes for this superb Malbec came from Verhey Vineyard, a top site in the western Yakima Valley's Rattlesnake Hills. What an enjoyable Malbec, principally for its sunny fruit, herbal layering, sense of place, prickly spice and exceptional length. (201 cases, 15.2% alc.) Awards: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold/best of class).

Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Petite Sirah, Washington • $28
The Verhey familys young Roosevelt Vineyard just downstream from the Horse Heaven Hills along the Columbia River has become a prized spot for the Umikers. The nose of sweet oak, coffee, blueberry, blackberry and cola doesnt disappoint. Theres rich molasses and Marionberry pie on the entry, leading to bold up-front tannins. Juicy pomegranate acidity and spicy raisins lead to Rainier cherry in the end. The Umikers hold a long-term contract for these grapes, which should delight all P.S. supporters. (177 cases, 14.9% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2014 Umiker Vineyard Estate Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley • $28
The pride and joy of Karl and Coco Umikers program is their vineyard in the Lewiston (Idaho) Orchards, 6 1/2 acres in the historic Lewis-Clark Valley. They planted it at 1,350 feet elevation in 2003 on their familys century farm. The Umikers rely on American oak for much of their winemaking, including Syrah, choosing 30% new barrels for 17 months of aging. Vanilla bean, blueberry and black currant pick up hints of grilled sausage and light toast. Its not syrupy, but more of a cool-climate style with blueberry pie, serviceberry, elderberry and cherry flavors backed by vibrant pomegranate acidity. Balanced tannins and a pinch of lavender lead to a dark raspberry finish. Try it with gamy meats, lentils and dishes with fresh herbs. (187 cases, 14.8% alc.) Award: Idaho Wine Competition (double gold).

Gamache Vintners 2012 Syrah, Columbia Valley • $30
University of Ste. Michelle alum Charlie Hoppes plays a role in many of Washingtons top wines, and his relationship with the Gamache brothers goes back to those days. This work with Syrah is complex one with smoky meat, lavender and brownie mix aromatics, then lush black currants, blackberries and more brownie mix on the palate. Its easy-drinking, smooth and elegant with a long finish, nice viscosity and just-right acidity. (285 cases, 14.8% alc.) Awards: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (double gold), Seattle Wine Awards (double gold).

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $48
This comes from one of the largest reserve programs in Washington and relies primarily on one of Chateau Ste. Michelles finest, oldest and warmest vineyards  Cold Creek  for 63% of the bottling. Head winemaker Bob Bertheau directed a program of 73% new oak, and the result are intense varietal tones with deep color, including Marionberry, blueberry, toast, nutmeg, cedar and Bakers chocolate. Fine-grained tannins allow for a long finish of cinnamon powder, nutmeg and cocoa. (3,130 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: San Francisco International Wine Competition (gold).

Purple Star Wines 2009 Silver Syrah, Columbia Valley • $30
Kyle Johnson produced a series of stunning Syrah releases for the Olsen brothers when they operated Olsen Estates in Prosser, Wash. They closed their winery in 2011, and this bottling is a product of their Edythe Mae Vineyard from the time when their winery was open. Johnsons own bottling  now 7-year-old  was aged it for 24 months in 100% French oak barrels, half of them new. This wine coats the glass when swirled, then reveals a dense nose of cocoa powder, Marionberry and lavender. In the mouth, its full of textured juicy black currant syrup, then finishes with fine-grained tannins, boysenberry, cassis, hints of leather and chocolate-covered raisins. Heres a delicious example of Washington Syrah with some time on its bones and a long life yet to come. (1,084 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!)

Seven Falls Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope • $23
Ste. Michelle executive Doug Gore sourced from vineyards such as StoneTree, Shaw and Jones for another winner with this young brand. This gorgeous Cab is budget-priced as well, often selling for several dollars less than its official retail price. Spicy Christmas berries and almond aromas lead into a smooth entry of black cherry and blackberry flavors, then chocolate and dark plums. It perfectly balances its fruit and spice and has well-managed tannins. (45,000 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: San Francisco International Wine Competition (gold).

Walla Walla Vintners 2014 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley • $25
For several years now, Walla Walla Vintners has been producing top-shelf Sangiovese, perhaps inspired by the influence of the many Italian immigrants who settled in the Walla Walla Valley. The 2014 carries an almost Pinot Noir-like color and beautifully clean fruit akin to cherry, plum and sweet blueberry. Its complex yet quaffable, as smoky and silky as a brunette from a 1940s noir film. Good acidity in its dark Bing cherry finish calls out for another sip. (981 cases, 14.2% alc.) Awards: Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition (gold), Denver Wine Competition (gold).

Wautoma Wines 2012 Malbec, Columbia Valley • $48
Co-owner/winemaker Jessica Munnell has crafted another award-winner with this Malbec is from StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. A small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon added to the blend came from the estate Wautoma Springs Vineyard near Cold Creek Vineyard. The result is a plummy fruit bomb with spicy pepper and ripe blueberry flavors. (24 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold).

Yakima Valley Vintners 2013 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Deans List Primitivo, Columbia Valley • $22
Yakima Valley Community College winery technology students, overseen by Brad Smith, move toward the head of the class for their assignment on this Deans List Primitivo. It earned high marks from judges for its rich, opulent, smooth and silky texture. A beveled wine, as one judge put it. Its combination of red currant and black plum with coffee includes a touch of strawberry and cocoa in the finish. (22 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Tri-Cities Wine Festival (double gold).

Zerba Cellars 2013 Barbera, Walla Walla Valley • $36
Using estate fruit from its Cockburn Vineyard, Zerba Cellars built this all-Italian red from Barbera (88%) and Sangiovese. As expected, theres an abundance of red fruit, including red currant, red plum and a hint of raspberry. Its smooth on entry, then shows wonderful balance, well-managed tannins and more bright fruit on the finish. A great example of what the Walla Walla Valley can do with Barbera. (188 cases, 14.5% alc.) Award: Dan Berger International Wine Competition (gold).

Barrister Winery NV Barristers Block Red Wine, Columbia Valley • $39
Spokane attorneys Greg Lipsker and Michael White huddled up with their lead winemaker, Tyler Walters, on this remarkable blend that spans four vintages and some stellar vineyards. While dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), theres also Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah from places such as Bacchus, Dionysus, Weinbau, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Summit View and Dwelley. The end game is a big, rich and fruit-forward nose that brings hints of plums, blackberries, leather and dark toast. On the palate, its sexy and spicy, leading with blackberry, earth and pleasing smokiness. Though its large, its also smooth  almost urbane. (335 cases, 14.9% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).

Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2013 Selway Red Wine, Lewis-Clark Valley • $38
This blend is named for a scenic tributary of the Clearwater River, and while the wine focuses on the Bordeaux varieties  Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (36%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) and Malbec (2%)  its the savvy use of Syrah (12%) that undoubtedly helps woo judges and consumers alike. And theres an extra sense of pride with Umiker Vineyard used for 71 percent of the blend. Red cherry fruit, spice, sandalwood and cedar make a stunning first impression. On reflection, the judicious use of oak results in a charming wine that can age a few years but is ready to drink now. (93 cases, 14.7% alc.) Awards: San Francisco International Wine Competition (double gold), Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).

Goose Ridge Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley • $35
This vintage marked the first of four that Kendall Mix spent working for the Monson family, and he left them this gift that seems to offer more over time. It coats the glass and shows tar, cigar box, cedar, chocolate and berries in the nose. On the palate are clean and focused dark berry flavors joined by anise. Behind the smooth tannins are light touches of chocolate-covered pomegranate. (1,000 cases, 14.8% alc.) Award: Finger Lakes Wine Competition (gold).

Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 The Estates Malbec, Wahluke Slope • $26
Emily Haines crafted this lovely wine, using Petit Verdot (10%) for some additional heft. Its akin to sniffing Grandmas old spice box, then its late-summer blackberries and boysenberries on the palate, with a bonus of figgy pie. The final impression is sleek, with an earthy element. (1,430 cases, 14.5% alc.) Awards: Savor Northwest (gold/best of class).

Reininger Winery 2013 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley • $56
Chuck Reininger offers one of the Pacific Northwests largest and most expressive examples of this fascinating Bordeaux variety that once was feared lost forever in the wake of a phylloxera blight in the late 1800s. This one shows more oak, is leaner and less juicy than some, but its elegant acidity and tannin balance is spot-on. (341 cases, 14.4% alc.) Awards: Cascadia Wine Competition (gold), Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (best of class/gold).

Cinder Wines 2015 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley • $18
Boise-area winemaker Melanie Krause used primarily neutral oak for this wine from Sawtooth Vineyard that she put through full malolactic fermentation.The result is a beautiful Chardonnay with the expected light touch of oak, big fruit and crisp acidity, qualities that show from front to back. It will be perfect with steelhead. (380 cases, 13.8% alc.) Award: Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition (gold).

Viscon Cellars 2011 Long Road Red Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley • $32
Ben Viscon relied on Lewis Vineyard and an 18-month barrel program to produce whats now a subtle Cab that shows nice handling of tannins, good varietal expression and has good aging potential for handful of more years. (125 cases, 13.4% alc.) Award: Seattle Wine Awards (gold).

Westport Winery Garden Resort 2013 Surfer Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills • $28
Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills is a long way from the coast, but Surfer Syrah does have a certain ring for a coastal winery. Its Old World style shows off blueberry jam, coffee, cinnamon toast and cookie dough in its long, juicy finish, plus some earthiness that hints at its HHH pedigree. (104 cases, 14% alc.) Award: Wine Press Northwest affordable reds judging (Outstanding!)

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